Oakland in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
A Chinese Junk Boat for Oakland
By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 3, 2020
1. A Chinese Junk Boat for Oakland Marker
The idea for the Chinese junk (boat) came
from the voyage of the real junk "Free
China” from Taiwan to San Francisco in
1955. The idea originally involved the purchase
of an actual junk for the playground, but
eventually developed into a specially designed
play structure. The Wa Sung Project Committee
raised half of the project funds and together with
the City of Oakland, who matched the funds, got
the project built.
The junk has been a popular centerpiece of the
playground for over thirty years. Like anything
else that has been in constant use, it became
worn and was in need of maintenance. In 2003,
The Wa Sung Community Service Club again
embarked on a project with the Oakland Parks
and Recreation Department to restore and
improve the junk. Public funds and private
donations have made this second boat project a
reality twenty-six years later.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 37° 48.001′ N, 122° 16.1′
By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 3, 2020
2. A Chinese Junk Boat for Oakland Marker - wide view
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Masters of Navigation (here, next to this marker); Oakland’s Chinatowns (a few steps from this marker); Asian Resource Center (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of College of California (approx. ¼ mile away); Alameda County Courthouses (approx. ¼ mile away); United Grocers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Autocar Sales (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fourth St. circa 1962 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the play junk just ahead of the poop deck.
By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 3, 2020
3. Chinese Junk Boat and Marker
circa 2003
4. Marker Inset
"The playground was renamed the Wa Sung Community Service Club Play Area in 2003 to honor the long time service of the entire club."
By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 3, 2020
5. 2003 Junk Boat Renovation Donor Plaque
By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 3, 2020
6. 2007 Junk Boat Re-dedication plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 5, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California.
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